The Best Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour , divided
• 1 cup fed sourdough starter
• 0.75 cups lukewarm milk
• 0.75 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter , melted and cooled
• 1 large egg , at room temperature
• 0.5 teaspoons salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients.

2. 2

   To make the rolls: Combine 1 cup flour, starter, milk, white sugar, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Let stand until spongy and bubbling, about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Add 1/2 cup butter, egg, and salt; stir to combine. Beat in remaining 3 cups flour, 1 cup at at time, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

4. 4

   Transfer dough to a floured work surface; knead until dough comes together, 3 to 5 minutes.

5. 5

   Place in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

6. 6

   Punch down dough and turn onto the floured surface. Roll into a square 1/4- to 1/3-inch thick.

7. 7

   Spread 1/2 cup butter on top; sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top. Tightly roll up dough; pinch seam together.

8. 8

   Trim edges and cut log into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

9. 9

   Place rolls in the prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise until not quite doubled in volume, about 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

10. 10

    Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes before frosting.

11. 11

    To make the frosting: Mix confectioners' sugar, cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, and vanilla extract until frosting smooth and fluffy.

12. 12

    Top cooled rolls with frosting.